Non-stop service to London to operate year-round from Calgary and Toronto

WestJet announces year-round service to Europe

WestJet today announced it is extending two of its new non-stop transatlantic services to London (Gatwick) from seasonal to year-round. Flights from Calgary and Toronto to London will now operate on a year-round basis, three times weekly and daily respectively through the winter, while service from Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg and St. John’s will operate seasonally as announced in September 2015.

“Today’s announcement is another important step in the international expansion of WestJet,” said Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “Year-round service to and from Europe on board our fleet of Boeing 767-300 extended-range aircraft offers our business and leisure guests the opportunity to take advantage of our low fares, high value and remarkable guest experience on both sides of the Atlantic whenever it suits their schedule.”

As part of a major system-wide seat sale, one-way fares to London (Gatwick) are available starting from:

Departing

Arriving

Air transportation charges (ATC)

One-way taxes, fees and charges

Total one-way price from

One-way base fare from

One-way other ATC

Toronto

London Gatwick

$209

$7.50

$54.50

$271 CAD*

Vancouver

London Gatwick

$269

$7.50

$46.50

$323 CAD*

Calgary

London Gatwick

$284

$7.50

$57.50

$349 CAD*

Edmonton

London Gatwick

$284

$7.50

$57.50

$349 CAD*

Winnipeg

London Gatwick

$258

$7.50

$52.50

$318 CAD*

St. John’s

London Gatwick

$181

$7.50

$59.50

$248 CAD*

*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com/londongatwick for details. Advertised taxes and fees may fluctuate without notice.

One-way fares from London (Gatwick) are available starting from:

Departing

Arriving

Air transportation charges (ATC)

One-way taxes, fees and charges

Total one-way price from

One-way base fare from

One-way other ATC

London Gatwick

Toronto

£100.00

£4.00

£86.00

£190 GBP*

London Gatwick

Vancouver

£128.00

£4.00

£86.00

£218 GBP*

London Gatwick

Calgary

£146.00

£4.00

£86.00

£236 GBP*

London Gatwick

Edmonton

£146.00

£4.00

£86.00

£236 GBP*

London Gatwick

Winnipeg

£140.00

£4.00

£86.00

£230 GBP*

London Gatwick

St. John’s

£87.00

£4.00

£86.00

£177 GBP*

*Some restrictions apply. Please see westjet.com/londongatwick for details. Advertised taxes and fees may fluctuate without notice.

CALGARY – WestJet [recently] announced the results of a study conducted by Leger Marketing indicating that WestJet is Canada’s preferred airline.

The study, conducted quarterly on behalf of WestJet by Leger Marketing, one of Canada’s most well-known and reputable research firms, shows that 49 per cent of Canadians chose WestJet as their preferred airline in Canada. Air Canada was preferred by 35 per cent.

“We are thrilled by this news,” said WestJet President and Chief Executive Officer Sean Durfy. “Clearly, this demonstrates that our culture and our people are making a difference in the lives of Canadians. I congratulate the more than 7,500 WestJetters who have earned these results and who work very hard to provide a caring guest experience.

“Becoming Canada’s preferred airline is a significant milestone as we continue to deliver on our objectives and move towards our vision of becoming a top five international airline by 2016,” continued Sean Durfy. “Our brand and financial strengths are big contributors to these results as the travelling public recognizes that our business model is sustainable and that our guests can book with confidence.”

Dave Scholz, Leger Marketing Vice-President, Toronto Office said, “WestJet has consistently performed well when we have asked Canadians which airline they prefer. WestJet provides its customers with the travel experience that people are looking for these days and the survey shows that this is appreciated.”

In addition, WestJet ranked 21st in Leger/Marketing Magazine’s annual Corporate Reputation Survey and was the only airline to be ranked in the top 100.

Bob Cummings, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience and Marketing added, “We are truly humbled to be number 21 in this study ahead ofsuch great brands as Fed Ex, IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Pepsi, Coke, Starbucks and McDonald’s. These results demonstrate the current and future potential of the WestJet brand. We are one of the leading service industry brands in Canada – period. In particular, WestJet is poised to leverage its position to furthergrow in the business and vacations markets. Our brand will continue to flourish as we introduce new products, deliver on our Care-antee and increase the strength of our company culture.”

About WestJetWestJet is Canada’s preferred airline, providing high-value low-cost service throughout its 55-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada’s most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.

Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies is a great way to see some backcountry under careful supervision of a qualified guide. I have written a bit about my recent Heli-Hike experience and included some photos for you to enjoy.

I went out last Tuesday, October 14, which is getting quite late for Heli-Hiking. As you can see by the pictures, there was already some snow. Once the snow really accumulates, you can take advantage of a Heli-Snowshoe tours which can also be booked through rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

The drive to the Helicopter start point is spectacular in itself as you have to drive along the magnificent Icefields Parkway from either Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise. The location makes this tour a great addition to many itineraries in Western Canada as it is right en-route and so minimises travel time.

Once you arrive at the Icefields Heliport, just outside of Banff National Park, you will be safety briefed, geared up, and then you board the helicopter.

The helicopter takes you into the backcountry where you can start your hike with the certified guide. Martha, the guide, was very knowledgeable and has the qualifications to back this up!

The walk in itself was easy, however, if you are a stronger hiker, slightly more challenging heli-hikes can be arranged. The home-made gourmet lunch was delicious and really satisfying. After a couple of hours of hiking, the guide will radio the helicopter pilot and you will be picked up. It really is that easy!

I hope you enjoy the photos and if you have any questions, please feel free to post here and I will do my best to answer them, or you can contact rocky-peak Holidays direct.